A two-week student scholarship program will highlight various environmental issues, as students embark on a scientific expedition through two UNESCO world heritage sites.
Sponsored by the Alcoa Foundation, the all-expenses paid NatureBridge scholarship program is open to students aged between 16-18 years.
It will see 63 students from across the globe embark on a backpacking adventure through the Yosemite National Park in California and Olympic National Park in Washington during July and August 2019.
During the program, students will take part in hands-on science projects and become part of a think-tank on environmental issues such as biodiversity and climate change.
Daniel Iversen from Perth, who took part in last year’s program, said he learned a great deal about how simple changes can have a significant impact on the environment.
“The trip taught me just how much humans are influencing the natural environment and that it’s time to really start making changes in our lives to preserve these natural wonders,” he said.
“Things like reducing plastic waste, putting the effort in to recycle and to not worry about a little dirt on your food if you drop it.”
Alcoa of Australia Managing Director Michael Parker added that the NatureBridge program aimed to inspire and empower high school students to become long-term environmental stewards with strong connections to the natural world.
“We are building the next generation of sustainability ambassadors and we strongly believe that being immersed in nature while studying science will have long-term impact on these young people,” Mr Parker said.
A total of 288 scholarships have been awarded by the Alcoa Foundation since the inaugural NatureBridge expedition in 2014.
Applications for the 2019 NatureBridge scholarship program are open now until 4 March 2019. For more information and to apply please click here.
